At first, you should know that sprained ankle does not just happen to athletes! it can happen to anyone, but athletes are more likely to have it. Ankle sprains account for around 25% of all sports injuries.

Risk factors

There are factors that may increase the risk of sprained ankle, including:

• Playing sports.
• Walking or running on uneven surfaces.
• A prior ankle injury.
• Wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Exercising without warming up.
• Muscle tension.
• Stretching too much.

Ankle sprain symptoms

Symptoms of sprained ankle depend on the severity, symptoms may include:

• Pain around the ankle
• Swollen ankle
• Inability to bear weight on your ankle
• Having muscle spasms

How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?

The doctor will examine your ankle and may request an X-ray or other imaging tests to ensure that no bone fractures or other injuries have occurred.

Sprained ankle treatment

Most cases of ankle sprains recover within two weeks of following these tips:

• Rest for up to two weeks.
• Stop any exercise or activity and try not to bear any weight on your ankle.
• Applying an ice pack to your ankle every two to three hours.
• Support your ankle by wrapping a bandage around it.
• Raise your feet on a pillow.
• Avoid taking hot baths.
• Taking pain medications such as Paracetamol or applying ibuprofen gel to reduce swelling.

Prevention

• Perform ankle strengthening exercises to maintain your muscles strong.
• Never skip warming up.
• Take care while walking on an even surface.
• Avoid muscle strain.
• Use lace-up ankle braces.
• Wear shoes that are appropriate for what you are going to do.
• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes as much as possible.

Complications

Recurring sprains, not properly treating a sprained ankle, or resuming normal activities too soon after an injury might result in the following complications:

• Chronic ankle pain
• Chronic ankle joint damage
• Ankle Arthritis